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Bill > HB115

TX HB115

TX HB115
Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying activities.

summary

Introduced
08/15/2025
In Committee
08/18/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
09/03/2025

Introduced Session

89th Legislature 2nd Special Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying activities.

AI Summary

This bill restricts how political subdivisions (like counties) can use public funds for lobbying activities. Specifically, political subdivisions are prohibited from spending public money to hire registered lobbyists to lobby legislators, or to pay nonprofit associations that primarily represent political subdivisions and hire such lobbyists. However, the bill does allow for some exceptions, such as allowing political subdivision officers and employees to provide information to legislators, appear before legislative committees, and advocate for or against legislation without triggering lobbyist registration requirements. The bill also enables taxpayers or residents to seek injunctive relief and recover attorney's fees if a political subdivision violates these restrictions. Additionally, the bill modifies existing law regarding county spending on state associations, removing language that previously allowed indirect legislative influence. The restrictions apply to expenditures made on or after the bill's effective date, which will be 91 days after the end of the legislative session, and any existing contract terms that conflict with the new restrictions will be considered void.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (57)

Terri Leo-Wilson (R)*,  Ellen Troxclair (R)*,  Daniel Alders (R),  Keith Bell (R),  Ben Bumgarner (R),  Briscoe Cain (R),  Giovanni Capriglione (R),  David Cook (R),  Tom Craddick (R),  Charles Cunningham (R),  Pat Curry (R),  Jay Dean (R),  Mano DeAyala (R),  Mark Dorazio (R),  Paul Dyson (R),  James Frank (R),  Gary Gates (R),  Stan Gerdes (R),  Cody Harris (R),  Caroline Harris Davila (R),  Richard Hayes (R),  Cole Hefner (R),  Hillary Hickland (R),  Janis Holt (R),  Andy Hopper (R),  Lacey Hull (R),  Todd Hunter (R),  Carrie Isaac (R),  Helen Kerwin (R),  Stan Kitzman (R),  Marc LaHood (R),  Mitch Little (R),  David Lowe (R),  J.M. Lozano (R),  Shelley Luther (R),  John McQueeney (R),  Brent Money (R),  Matt Morgan (R),  Mike Olcott (R),  Tom Oliverson (R),  Angelia Orr (R),  Dennis Paul (R),  Katrina Pierson (R),  Keresa Richardson (R),  Nate Schatzline (R),  Alan Schoolcraft (R),  Matt Shaheen (R),  Joanne Shofner (R),  Shelby Slawson (R),  Valoree Swanson (R),  Carl Tepper (R),  Tony Tinderholt (R),  Steve Toth (R),  Cody Vasut (R),  Denise Villalobos (R),  Wesley Virdell (R),  Terry Wilson (R), 

Last Action

Referred to State Affairs (on 08/18/2025)
(3 Companion Bills)

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